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DuFresnes, Owenses, and Hongsermeiers, Izen remained counsel of
record for the Youngs, the only other remaining test case
petitioners.
In January and February 2001, the Hongsermeiers and 112
nontest case petitioners (hereafter, the group of 112) made
contributions to the Defense Fund (all but two in the amount of
$1,500) totaling $168,600 in connection with the hiring of Minns.
In addition, from January 2001 through November 2001 (the last
full month during which the steering committee recognized Minns
as the Fund’s counsel), the Hongsermeiers and 106 members of the
group of 112 made smaller contributions to the Defense Fund
totaling $99,600. Thus, total contributions to the Defense Fund
by the Hongsermeiers and the group of 112 from January 2001
through November 2001 amounted to $268,200. The Fund paid the
aforementioned fees of $110,000 and $75,000 to Minns and
Lawfinders, respectively, in early 2001.8
The steering committee became dissatisfied with Minns, and
by letter dated December 7, 2001, the Defense Fund formally
requested Porter & Hedges, L.L.P. (Porter & Hedges) to take over
the appeals and to represent the Fund in “the anticipated
litigation involving our former attorney in this matter, Michael
Minns.” The ensuing engagement letter confirms that Porter &
8 The Fund paid other amounts under the Minns agreement,
including a $20,000 fee to an accounting firm, for which the
Hongsermeiers do not seek recovery.
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Last modified: May 25, 2011